Cardinal Onaiyekan Proposes Stronger Discernment Processes for Young Men Entering the Priesthood in Nigeria

In brief

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, says Church leaders must strengthen how they evaluate young men entering seminaries in Nigeria to ensure they have the right intentions. Speaking at a six-week formation program about priestly life, the Cardinal noted that while many young people find religious life attractive, they do not always pursue it for the correct reasons.

Onaiyekan suggested that formators should intensify the process of checking a candidate's suitability and motives. He recommended that seminaries provide adequate numbers of competent formation teams and conducive environments while avoiding overcrowding. Although he noted this could increase costs, the Cardinal stated that investing in quality formation is better than facing serious problems later.

The Cardinal also addressed the challenges of the current boom in vocations, including the deployment of Nigerian priests to missions across Africa and parishes abroad. He noted that while many serve as fidei donum priests or oversee international parishes, the exchange of these pastoral agents must be carefully guided.